1977 Buick LeSabre vs. 2011 Kia Rio
To start off, 2011 Kia Rio is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Rio (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1977 Buick LeSabre. (105 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 1977 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 517 kg more than 2011 Kia Rio.
Because 1977 Buick LeSabre is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1977 Buick LeSabre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Kia Rio, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1977 Buick LeSabre (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Kia Rio. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1977 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Kia Rio. 1977 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 2011 Kia Rio has manual transmission. 2011 Kia Rio will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Buick LeSabre | 2011 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Buick | Kia |
| Model | LeSabre | Rio |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1073 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1694 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2499 mm |
